Tag "Vladimir Putin"
Opinion: An effective Russian sanctions regime
As Brussels and DC continue to expand their sanctions package they risk hurting the Russian people more than the Russian state. To target the Russian state, the West must consider oil and gas export restrictions and stop insulating the Kremlin’s main source of income through SWIFT loopholes.
Europe’s Isolation against Russia
Vladimir Putin’s political assault on Europe comes from a meticulously crafted plan which was catalysed by Trump’s commandeering of the White House. Since assuming office in 1999, Putin has led the country with a clear vision of restoring Russia’s Soviet stature. If Russia’s recent actions are any indication of their progress, then it’s safe to say Putin has come a long way.
Belarus and Russia: Will Putin Back Lukashenko or Watch his Downfall?
Belarus and Russia have been experiencing a deterioration in their relationship for years now. However, the current protests sweeping Belarus in light of the elections of August 2020, which controversially found President Lukashenko to have secured 80% of the vote, could prove to be a turning point for the already tenuous alliance between the two former Soviet states. President Putin has hitherto been cautiously supportive of Lukashenko to the extent that Moscow is still able to exercise flexibility of action. Examining current and previous developments between the two states in light of the crisis in Ukraine in 2014, the best option for Putin remains to refrain from interference for the time being.
Eurasia: Is Belarus the next Crimea?
Russia tries to tighten its grip while simultaneously decreasing the resulting budget burden. On the other hand, Belarus is not willing to sacrifice its sovereignty but is acutely aware of its economic dependence on Russia.
Eastern Ukraine: Is reintegration still a realistic prospect?
On 24 April, Russia signed a decree allowing residents of rebel-controlled areas of Eastern Ukraine to apply for Russian passports. This was the latest in a series of steps making the reintegration of the Donbass less likely.
How the US lost the (dis)information war
It was a war that America apparently didn’t even know was being waged – until the 2016 elections turned out to be the front line. Now the U.S. is scrambling to catch up with Russian infowar capabilities. But how did it get left so far behind?
What Trump’s actions at the G7 summit mean for multilateralism
With Donald Trump refusing to sign the G7 Communique in Charlevoix, Quebec, the traditional balance of power within the G7 countries has been upset, placing the future of multilateralism in danger.
The Russian opposition: Digging an elephant’s grave with a teaspoon
On 5 May, opposition leader Alexey Navalny led mass unsanctioned protests against the inauguration of President Vladimir Putin. Soon after, Navalny was sentenced to 30 days in prison. Andre Martirosyan asks: is political opposition in Russia a hopeless cause – or will hints of generational change grow into a mass movement?
The Kremlin’s anti-corruption campaign comes to the Caucasus
In recent years, anti-corruption campaigns in Russia has led to multiple arrests and trials of high-level officials, including several regional governors. In early 2018, they came to the republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus.
Exclusive Interview: Alfa Bank’s Chief Economist on the outlook for Russia
Natalia Orlova, Chief Economist and Head of Macro Insights at Alfa Bank, offers her expert view on Russia’s economic outlook – and warns that the market may be incorrectly pricing sovereign risks.
